UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS

May 1 2008

What is happening in Rwinkwavu Health Center? (Part 2)

The prevention of HIV transmission from a mother to her child is one of our most important tasks in the prevention of HIV in infants. During my visits to this programme, I always realize that so many children’s lives can be saved through the programme’s various interventions. It is crucial to prevent children born to HIV-positive mothers to get infected during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding and keep children born to HIV-positive mothers under the parents’ supervision, care and support. The prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child programs were scaled up in almost 60% of Rwanda’s existing health centers. Family packages were developed and tested in some health centers and are now in the process of being converted into national policy. However, men’s participation in this programme is still very low and presents a real challenge.
 
At Rwinkwavu’s Health Center, we’ve noted that many mothers followed the treatment from beginning to end, delivered at the health center and received the infant formula on time. The established accompaniments system strengthens the connection within families and facilitates couples’ counseling, especially that of discordant couples. It’s also boosted the participation of men in the programme. 

During my last visit there, I met with many HIV-positive women such as Jeannette Kayitesi. Jeannette is 34 years old and HIV-positive. She has three children, two among them are HIV-positive.  She became aware of her serological status when her husband died and she was pregnant. During my conversation with Jeannette, she explained that in the beginning, it was difficult for her to cope with her situation. After a while, she decided to go regularly to the health center. She registered with the mutual health system and came for counseling on a regular basis.
“When I got there, I found other HIV-positive women just like me. We shared our experience and I realized that I am not alone to carry this heavy burden. I decided to accept my situation and try to live positively,” she said. “My mother comes and stays with me and helps my children when I am very sick. Now, I don’t feel so lonely,” she said.

Rwanda’s HIV and AIDS epidemic has brought in many faces. In addition to these women’s extreme poverty, they have no empowerment and the burden of the disease increases their vulnerability. Their economic and social conditions deteriorate and, consequently, they don’t get the care and support they need from the community. Most families are seriously affected: rejection and discrimination also becomes part of their daily lives. HIV and AIDS community-based programmes are required to empower these vulnerable families and communities. Both the adherence and tolerance of HIV treatments require strong sensitization campaigns. They also necessitate access to information on antiretroviral medications as well as proper nutrition and psychological support. Let’s keep up the good work and save women’s and children’s life!